Surf Fishing Knots For Shock Leaders
Shock leader knots for surf fishing need to be as small as possible to pass through the rod guides without interfering with casting distance. The knot strength is also critical. There are several knots that will stand up to the powerful surf casting requirements. However, there is one knot that is the best choice for not only strength but compact size. It’s the Albright knot.
The Albright knot is the preferred surf fishing knot for shock leaders because it has a small profile yet is can stand up to the riggers of a strong surf cast. There are a few tips I’d like to add to assure the best results when using this knot.
When you watch the video below you will notice that one strand is a simple loop while the other strand is used to do all the wraps. The first tip is all the wraps should only be done with the main line not the shock leader. Because the main line is a smaller diameter than the shock leader the knot will be as small as possible.
The second tip is to wet the lines before drawing up the knot. The water will create enough lubrication so the strands will draw up firm and snug, easily.
The third tip that will make this knot as streamlined as possible is to apply a smooth coating of clear finger nail polish over the entire knot. If possible try to feather the nail polish down on the shock leader to help it pass through the rod guides better during the cast.
Watch the video to learn how to tie this knot
Surf Fishing Rigs – The Dropper Loop Rig
A very popular surf fishing rig that’s easy to make is the dropper loop rig. It’s just like the fireball rig but it’s tied differently and it may or may not have floats on it.
This saltwater rig is made using any leader material of your choice. It has three dropper loops. One loop at the bottom for your sinker, a second loop about a third of the way from the bottom and a third loop 2/3 of the distance from the bottom. A swivel is used to tie it to your main line.
Watch this video to see how to tie the dropper loops.
The sinker and hooks are attached by looping them through the eyes and around to form a slip knot around each eye. The finished rig should look like the image below. If you want floats or beads on your rig just slip them on the loops before looping them around the hooks
Completed Dropper Loop Rig
The total length of the finished rig should be about 24″. Each loop for the hooks should be 6″-8″ long.
This rig design is one of the most commonly used rigs for surf fishing. It’s designed to hold the bottom using a pyramid sinker. The cool feature with this rig is the ability to easily change the sinker and hooks to suit the situation. The sinkers size depends on the size weight needed to hold the bottom and the hooks are sized to the bait you decide to use.
How To Avoid Line Twist When Spooling A Surf Spinning Reel
There is a very simple method to avoid line twist when you spool your spinning reel for surf fishing . This technique is easy to remember and works perfectly every time no matter which direction the spinning reel turns when you spool new line on it.
The first thing to do is to determine the direction your spinning reel turns when viewed from the rear of the reel. As you look at the reel with the back of it facing you it will turn clockwise or counterclockwise.
Now lay the new spool of fishing line down flat on one side. With the spool stationary, pull a strand of line off and notice whether it comes off in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
If it comes off in the same direction as your spinning reel then you are good to go. If not simply turn the spool of line over on the other side and it will match the direction of your reel.
As long as the line comes off the spool in the same direction as the reel turns you will avoid all twist every time you spool up with new line.
